title: Surgical techniques used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: The use of surgical lesion sets for the treatment of atrial fibrillation has been increasing, particularly in patients with complicated anatomical substrates and those undergoing concomitant surgery. Preferences in terms of lesion set, surgical approach and ablation technology vary by center. This review discusses both the surgical techniques and the outcomes for the most commonly performed procedures in the context of recent consensus guidelines. The Cox-Maze IV, pulmonary vein isolation, extended left atrial lesion sets, the hybrid approach and ganglionated plexus ablation are each reviewed in an attempt to provide insight into current clinical practice and patient selection.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
authors.forename: Jason O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: Christopher P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Lawrance
authors.forename: Hersh S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Maniar
authors.forename: Ralph J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Damiano
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans